When formulating complex products, stirred tanks are traditionally used because of inherent advantages in semi-batch operations.  While there is interest in moving from batch to continuous processes in the context of process intensification [1], a semi-batch stirred tank will remain the best option for complex formulations. For instance, a single stirred tank can be designed […]

Are load considerations different between vessel nozzles and pump nozzles?  In general, yes.  For vessels, nozzle loads are generally calculated to determine if reinforcement of the nozzle is required for it to safely accept the loads.  For a pump, design of the nozzle for the loads is not the consideration.  Rather, it is the net […]

An Interview with Andy Saunders-Tack, Managing Director, Asia-Pac at Becht  Below is an outline of a recent interview published in Inspectioneering. You can see the whole interview in its entirety at: MI Snapshot: Asia-Pacific – An Interview with Andy Saunders-Tack (inspectioneering.com). The article focuses on Andy’s journey, expertise, and insights into asset integrity and reliability, […]

In the development of aircraft engines, physical tests are necessary to examine the overall performance of the engines. The exhaust gas from the test engine has high temperatures and often high pressures. The gas must be quenched before releasing to the atmosphere. A water-spray quench section is used for this purpose. The design of the […]

On December 27, 2023, the Washington Division Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) filed a permanent rulemaking motion to adopt changes to how Process Safety Management (PSM) is handled for oil refineries within the state of Washinton.  This regulation was approved in response to high-profile industry incidents in the state of Washington in the last 5 […]

In the 2022 edition of ASME B31.3, the f factor was changed. There have been some mixed reactions in articles and social media; hopefully, this blog can put the matter in perspective. The f factor is used to reduce the allowable displacement stress range to prevent fatigue failure.  It is based on welded pipe fatigue […]

Happy New Year! As we all embark on new adventures in 2024, it’s important to start with a sense of purpose and goals for the future. A new year is always a time for growth – personally and professionally – and Becht’s training team has taken this to heart! Becht’s training courses highlight, discuss, and […]

This month we’ll continue our discussion of emergency procedures for hydroprocessing units with a discussion of hazards and procedures for minor/major loss of containment incidents.   Incidents related to emergency depressuring valves in hydroprocessing units Incident 1 A VGO hydrotreater suffered a backflow incident on the wash water piping resulting in the overpressure and rupture […]

Becht joined the Gulf Downstream Association (GDA) in March 2021 as an Associate Member to better access and collaborate with customers in the Middle East. GDA is a non-profit association established by Saudi Aramco, ADNOC Refining, KNPC, KPI, BAPCO Refining, and OQ to serve as a common platform for downstream players in the region to […]

The ASME B31 Forever Medal for Excellence in Piping is a Committee Award that was established in 2010 that is awarded for distinguished contributions in the field of pressure piping including but not limited to leadership, technical, research and development, and publication efforts that have had a significant impact on the content, development, promulgation, and […]